What a wonderful family you have
How do you cope with three dogs :shock:
I wont lie, it is incredibly hard work. The two labs have fear issues, Billy (Yellow) was poorly socialised so only trust three humans and very flightly, Bugsey (Black) is lovely once he trusts you but he has fear aggression to strange people and dogs. Bella the doberman is an angel but just hitting teenager so can be a bit michevious on occassion. I walk her seperately from Bugsey so she can socialise as she loves to play. I spend alot of time training and doing behavioural work, we had to learn fast! Its only me and my husband and I'm not very outgoing so the animals get my undivided attention. Thankfully we have a great support network, a fantastic behaviourist and a dogwalker who loves them like her own so forgives their indecresions.
This wall is almost full now but its my little reminder every day of how hard we have worked:
Thanks Jane. You kind of develop a thick skin when you have Reactive dogs as alot of people assume I've mistreated them, or I'm an awful owner with an awful dog. Its rare that I encounter people that understand. I went on a training course recently and for problem dogs and the other owners were very surprised I only had dogs 2 years and that Bugsey was my first dog. One of the other owners called me inspirational and I promptly burst into tears! I don't see it as inspirational. I see it as something that anyone would do.
We put in alot of management at home, baby gates, dog music player, frosting on windows (to block vision) etc and it made a huge difference to homelife. Its now their safe space so they are all very calm at home. But it was definately hard at first, we lost a few sofas, carpets etc! We made lots of mistakes, but it was all put right with a bit of help from a proffessional. We've even managed a few holidays together by purposely booking secluded cottages in the middle of no-where so there is nothing to frighten them. Doing proper training with a behaviourist (Bella had lessons with her from a pup to start her on the right path) made a huge difference to us.
Hurrah for all the furry trios! I do love a trio...
Everyone looks well, I'm so pleased for you : )
Thank you. I don't get much time to myself it must be said, they are all thoroughly spoilt!
Thankfully I have a lovely hubby who makes sure I am looked after.